Kentish Express Ashford & District
TRIBUTES TO MAN FOUND DEAD IN LAKE
FAMILY AND FRIENDS TELL OF SHOCK AND SADNESS
Family and friends have expressed their sadness after a man was found dead in a boating lake at the weekend.
Firefighters, paramedics and police officers from the dog unit were called to the Conningbrook Lakes near Kennington in the early hours of Sunday.
They found the body of a 42-yearold man who has since been named locally as Paul Hughes, from Ashford.
After a search using a thermal imaging camera, fire crews waded into the water in wetsuits. He was given CPR at the scene but was pronounced dead at the William Harvey Hospital nearby.
In a statement, Mr Hughes’ family have this week expressed their sadness at the death of the Spurs football supporter.
They said: “Paul may not have been in all his family’s lives all the time but regardless he was and always will be part of their lives. A son, brother and uncle, and good friend to many.”
Meanwhile Mr Hughes’ friends have also expressed their shock at the news of his death on Facebook.
Tony Hogben posted: “Life’s too short. Remember what you’ve got and who you have, hold it all close and don’t take it for granted. R.I.P Paul Hughes you’re going to be missed bro.”
Carla Seddon wrote: “At times it felt like nothing ever went right for you, you deserved so much because you were such an amazing, caring good person. I can’t believe you’re gone, R.I.P Paul Hughes.
“He was one of the nicest people you could of wished to meet, he doesn’t deserve this.”
Corrina Burgess commented: “I will miss you so much. I will always care, goodnight, sleep tight.”
A police spokesman said officers were called after concerns were raised at 1am on Sunday.
The spokesman said the death is not being treated as suspicious, and officers will be preparing a report for the coroner.
An inquest into the circumstances of Mr Hughes’ death is expected to be opened shortly.
‘He was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet. He doesn’t deserve this’